The True Consequences of Allowing Your Engine to Overheat

The dangers of overheating in this Audi S5’s engine are readily apparent upon inspection.

If you’re currently perusing this, chances are you understand that engine coolant and oil should never be combined. The coolant counteracts the lubricating properties of the oil, which in turn hinders the engine’s capability to function properly. This is exactly what occurred with a turbocharged 3.0-liter Audi V-6 engine, which was relatively fresh when removed from a 2022 S5. Presently, it sits as an inert mass containing a mixture of oil and coolant that closely resembles a chocolate milkshake.

Surprisingly, the amount of damage in this almost new engine is quite minimal. While the exact mileage is not known, as demonstrated in this I Do Cars dissecting video, the different parts disassemble easily. Additionally, there is little evidence of wear and tear. The primary bearings, rod bearings, camshaft lobes, and even the cylinder walls all seem to be in fairly good shape. It is unexpected to see this condition considering that the engine was run with inadequate oil.

WARRANTY DENIED! 2022 Audi S5 $30K BILL! Tearing Down Catastrophic Overheat 3.0 TFSI V6 CWGD Engine

Why was this engine considered unusable? As per the video, a coolant line malfunctioned, causing the engine to overheat and warp the aluminum heads. This resulted in a mixture of coolant and oil. The damage indicates that it might have been shut down rather than seized, but regardless, the heads are beyond repair. There is a possibility that the top of the block also sustained damage. Although the engine could be fixed, a complete replacement was carried out in this case.

As per the video, the replacement was not included in the warranty. The presenter mentioned that Audi rejected the claim due to the engine overheating, resulting in a repair cost of $30,000 for the owner of the vehicle. Therefore, if you notice your engine running hotter than usual, make sure to pull over, allow it to cool down, arrange for towing, and take all necessary steps to prevent overheating. Taking these precautions could help avoid a simple hose repair escalating into a significant financial burden.

Source: I Do Cars / YouTube